How to Start a Day Care in Kansas
The state of Kansas has licensed home day care providers since 1919 in an effort to ensure that all children being cared for outside of their homes are safe and healthy. The laws also provide protection for parents, who face the challenge of finding quality affordable day care, and help provide assurance that day care providers have met the standards required by the state. Anyone who wishes to open a home day care in Kansas must complete an application and training process, and since laws change on a regular basis, you should contact the Kansas Department of Health and Environment before beginning the application process.
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Instructions
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Meet the age and education requirements. All home day care providers in Kansas must be at least 18 years old and have a high school diploma or the equivalent.
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Contact the local day care facility surveyor for your area to schedule an orientation. The orientation will cover the application procedure and requirements.
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Complete the required training. You must attend a first aid/CPR training course before caring for children. You must also meet the state training requirements: a caregiver in a licensed day care home must complete a minimum of 12 1/2 hours of child care observation; 15 hours of workshops, readings or videos; earn the Child Development Associate credential or work in a licensed day care facility for at least three months.
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Complete the licensed home day care application packet. The application includes information about you and the other residents of your home and proof of your training and preparation for child care.
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Undergo a background check. The background check authorization form is included in the application packet, and authorizes the KDHE to check your criminal history and the Kansas child abuse registry.
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Visit your doctor. You need to provide proof of a negative tuberculosis test and a signed declaration that you are physically capable of caring for children.
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Use the self-evaluation checklist to prepare your home for the initial inspection. The checklist provides guidance about paperwork that needs to be posted and safety measures that must be in place.
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Schedule the initial survey of your facility after your day care is open for business. The surveyor will inspect your home inside and out, and observe your interactions with the children.
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Tips & Warnings
Licensed day care homes in Kansas may care for up to 10 children at a time with one adult present; the exact number of children you can care for at a time depends on the age of the children.
If you plan to transport children in your personal vehicle, you will need to provide proof of car insurance, a vehicle safety inspection checklist and a copy of your driver's license with your application.
The initial survey is the only scheduled inspection. After your license is granted, all future surveys are unannounced, or conducted in response to complaints.
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